Luke's story of Jesus as a child visiting the Temple in Jerusalem not only shows us the mind and heart of Jesus, but it gives us a great opportunity to talk with our kids about their OWN attitude and participation in Sunday School and Worship.

• Luke's story of Jesus as a boy visiting the Temple in Jerusalem gives us the opportunity to discuss the importance of learning God's word and participating in worship -- and making that your own decision rather than just the desire of your parents.
  
  
• It shows us Jesus didn't just "accompany" his parents to worship, he engrossed himself in the opportunity to learn and talk about God's word.

It shows us he wasn't afraid to ask questions and wasn't in a hurry to leave or "get it over with."

Luke's story shows Jesus and his teachers engaged in the Socratic Method. Asking questions and discussing possible answers was an important style of teaching and learning in those days that was made famous by Socrates, the Greek philosopher. Luke clearly wants us to see that there was something very special about Jesus very early on in his life. To us it is a signal that faith and learning isn't just for adults!

In summary, Luke's story of Jesus in the Temple, not only teaches about Jesus' attitude and participation but encourages us to take responsibility for our participation and learning as well.

Young Jews in Jesus' day were expected to observe holy days and traditions, as well as learn the Law of Moses (Torah), Some centuries later, Jewish communities created the rite of passage and period of study known as "Bar Mitzvah" in which Jewish boys went through a period of intense teaching that culminated in a celebration of their study and faith. It also marked the boundary between being a boy and being a man with all the expectations and privileges that came with it. Sometime later, "Bat Mitzvah" was created for girls. In many churches today, this period of learning and public affirmation of your faith is known as "Confirmation." At various times in the Early Church, this period of learning and affirmation coincided with one's baptism.

While we don't exactly know whether Jesus went through any formal training as a boy, his life and ministry clearly show that he observed the traditions of his faith, studied the scripture, and knew them by heart -- which in those days would have required some training and access to scrolls. He was likely first trained by his father, as was the custom in those days, and then given more formal instruction by a leader or rabbi in his local synagogue. Where he continued to learn afterward is an open question. Some think Jesus joined one of the many "movements" or schools found in Israel in those days where he would have continued his training either full or part-time. One thing is for sure, Jesus didn't just do what his parents told him to do, he took responsibility for and embraced his faith.

The student will become the teacher!

At the end of the story, not only did Jesus instruct his parents about his purpose (to be in his father's house),it reveals an early awareness that his greater purpose.

Jesus' early attitude will eventually lead him to the Jordan to be baptized, into the wilderness to be tested, and on to Galilee to gather disciples. It suggests that the purpose of our own teaching is not merely to create disciples, but to create future teachers and leaders.

Do your students know the purpose of your teaching? Their purpose?

Are they thinking about where to go from here? Or how to "get out of here"?

Supporting Members take note!

The Writing Team has an extra creative lesson set on this story. It has recommended video, art projects, cooking, computer, drama, etc. with full lesson plans.  

Guests and registered members can see the lesson summaries, and read the Bible background for the team's set. Gives you a good sense of how and WHAT to teach about this terrific story.

(WT) Jesus the Boy in the Temple

• Luke 2:41-52
  Be like Jesus in Sunday School and in Worship!